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Learn more about our MPhil (Master of Philosophy) research degrees, and start your application today

What is an MPhil (Master of Philosophy)?

An MPhil is a postgraduate research degree that allows you to develop similar skills to a PhD. You'll complete the sort of extensive research associated with PhDs, but won't need to provide the same level of original contribution.

You'll do an independent project – like a PhD but smaller – submit a thesis of up to 40,000 words, and defend your work successfully in an oral examination (viva voce). The programme takes 2 years if studying full-time, or 4 years if studying part-time.

With an MPhil, you'll be in a great position to move onto further research, such as a PhD, or to use your new postgraduate qualification to progress your career, thanks to the skills you'll develop – such as critical thinking, problem-solving, project management, creativity, communication and leadership.

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Funding

The cost of your MPhil will vary depending on where you're from, what you're studying, and whether you plan to study full-time or part-time.

As a guide, MPhils cost £4,000–£5,000 a year (full-time) or £2,000–£3,000 a year (part-time) for UK/EU students, and £13,000–£16,000 a year (full-time) or £6,500–£8,000 a year (part-time) for international students. For more details, check your subject area's page from the list above.

To help fund your MPhil, you may be eligible for a Government Postgraduate Master's Loan, which you can use to cover your tuition fees, living costs and other course costs, up to a maximum of £10,609 per course.